Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas

The best chemistry science fair project is one that answers a question or solves a problem. It can be challenging to come up with a project idea, but looking at a list of chemistry projects other people have done may stimulate a similar idea for you. Or, you can take an idea and think of a new approach to the problem or question.

Tips for Finding a Good Idea for Your Chemistry Project

• Write out your project idea in the form of a hypothesis as per the scientific method. If you can, come up with five to 10 hypothesis statements and work with the one that makes the most sense.
• Keep in mind how much time you have to complete the project, so don't select a science project that takes months to complete if you only have a few weeks. Remember, it takes time to analyze data and prepare your report. It's also possible that your experiment won't work out as planned, which would require you to develop an alternative project. A good rule of thumb is to choose an idea that takes less than half the total time you have.
• Don't discount an idea just because it doesn't seem to fit your educational level. Many projects can be made simpler or more complex to fit your level.
• Keep your budget and materials in mind. Great science doesn't have to cost a lot. Also, some materials might not be readily available where you live.
• Consider the season. For example, while a crystal-growing project might work well under dry winter conditions, it might be hard to get crystals to grow during a humid rainy season. And a project involving seed germination may work better in the spring and summer (when seeds are fresh and sunlight is favorable) than in late autumn or winter.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Parents, teachers, and other students can help you fine-tune a science fair project idea.
• Follow rules and regulations. If you aren't allowed to use live animals, don't choose an animal project. If you won't have access to electricity, don't pick a project that requires an outlet. A bit of planning can save you from disappointment.

Examples of Good Chemistry Project Ideas

The following is a list of interesting, inexpensive science fair project ideas. Consider the different scientific approaches you can take to answer each question.

• Can you use a black light to detect invisible spills or smelly stains in carpeting or elsewhere in the house? Can you predict what types of materials will glow under a black light?
• Will chilling an onion before cutting it keep you from crying?
• Does catnip repel cockroaches better than DEET?
• What ratio of vinegar to baking soda produces the best chemical volcano eruption?
• What fabric fiber results in the brightest tie-dye?
• What type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation the best?
• What plastic wrap prevents oxidation the best?
• Which brand of diaper absorbs the most liquid?
• What percentage of an orange is water?
• Are night insects attracted to lamps because of heat or light?
• Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead of canned pineapples?
• Do white candles burn at a different rate than colored candles?
• Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth?
• What type of car antifreeze is safest for the environment?
• Do different brands of orange juice contain different levels of vitamin C?
• Does the level of vitamin C in orange juice change over time?
• Does the level of vitamin C in orange juice change after the container is opened?
• Can a saturated solution of sodium chloride still dissolve Epsom salts?
• How effective are natural mosquito repellents?
• Does magnetism affect the growth of plants?
• Do oranges gain or lose vitamin C after being picked?
• How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts?
• How does sugar concentration vary in different brands of apple juices?
• Does storage temperature affect the pH of juice?
• Does the presence of cigarette smoke affect the growth rate of plants?
• Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels?
• How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape?

Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas by Topic

You can also brainstorm for your project by looking into topics that interest you. Click on the links to find project ideas based on subject matter.

• Acids, Bases, and pH: These are chemistry projects relating to acidity and alkalinity, mostly aimed at the middle school and high school levels.
• Caffeine: Are coffee or tea your thing? These projects relate mostly to experiments with caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks.
• Crystals: Crystals can be considered geology, physical science, or chemistry. Topics range in level from grade school to college.
• Environmental Science: Environmental science projects cover ecology, assessing environmental health and finding ways to solve relevant problems.
• Fire, Candles, and Combustion: Explore combustion science. Because fire is involved, these projects are best for higher grade levels.
• Food and Cooking Chemistry: There is a lot of science involving food. Plus, it's a research subject everyone can access.
• Green Chemistry: Green chemistry seeks to minimize the environmental impact of chemistry. It's a good topic for middle and high school students.
• Household Project Testing: Researching household products is accessible and easily relatable, making it an interesting science fair topic for students who might not ordinarily enjoy science.
• Magnets and Magnetism: Explore magnetism and compare different types of magnets.
• Materials: Materials science can relate to engineering, geology, or chemistry. There are even biological materials that can be used for projects.
• Plant and Soil Chemistry: Plant and soil science projects often require a bit more time than other projects, but all students have access to the materials.
• Plastics and Polymers: Plastics and polymers aren't as complicated and confusing as you might think. These projects may be considered a branch of chemistry.
• Pollution: Explore sources of pollution and different ways to prevent or control it.
• Salt and Sugar: Salt and sugar are two ingredients anyone should be able to find, and there are many ways to explore these common household items.
• Sports Physics and Chemistry: Sports science projects may be attractive to students who don't see how science relates to everyday life. These projects may be of particular interest to athletes.

Science Fair Projects by Grade Level

For level-specific project ideas, this list of resources is broken down by grade.

• Quick Look at Project Ideas by Educational Level
• Elementary School Science Fair Projects
• Middle School Science Fair Projects
• High School Science Fair Projects
• College Science Fair Projects
• Tenth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Ninth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Eighth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Seventh Grade Science Fair Projects
• Sixth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Fifth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Fourth Grade Science Fair Projects
• Third Grade Science Fair Projects